Amsterdam Light Festival is a mesmerizing winter art and light event held annually from late November to late January along the canals of Amsterdam. International artists, designers, and architects transform the city into an open-air gallery with dazzling light sculptures, projections, and interactive installations that illuminate bridges, waterways, and historic façades. Visitors can experience the artworks on foot or from the water aboard special canal cruises, creating a magical fusion of art, technology, and Dutch urban beauty. Blending innovation, creativity, and the reflective calm of winter, the Amsterdam Light Festival offers one of Europe’s most enchanting night-time spectacles.
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DATES & TIMES
• Dates: 27 November 2025–18 January 2026 (Thursday–Sunday).
• Lights on: 27 Nov–4 Jan from 16:30 (Wed–Sat until 23:00; Sun–Tue until 22:00). From 5–18 Jan from 17:00 (Wed–Sat until 23:00; Sun–Tue until 22:00). Exceptions: 20 Dec–4 Jan daily until 23:00; 31 Dec lights off at 21:00 — see Dates & hours.
• Pattern: artworks illuminate a fixed winter season on Amsterdam’s canals — overview on Edition 14.
• The exact timetable publishes annually — check the official Schedule for updates.
LOCATION
• Amsterdam city centre canals; you can start anywhere. Suggested starts: Amsterdam Central Station or the information point at Blauwbrug near Waterlooplein — see Walk FAQ. Blauwbrug — Open in Google Maps.
TICKETS & ENTRY
• Canal cruises: official partners via the festival Tickets page.
• On foot: download the Festival app · unlock the route map and audio guide in‑app — details in the Walk FAQ · general questions: Tickets FAQ.
GOOD TO KNOW
• Route length ~6.5 km on foot — see Walk.
• Public transport: plan trams/metro with the official GVB journey planner.
• Dress warmly and allow time for crowds around major basins and bridges; fireworks on New Year’s Eve may impact timings (lights off at 21:00) — see Dates & hours.
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